By Geoff Ivanac – Longevity Financial Planner
When you hear the words “financial planning,” you probably think of numbers – calculating how much to save for retirement, investing in the right assets, and sticking to a budget. While these are all crucial aspects, they don’t paint the full picture. Financial planning is about more than just the numbers; it’s about creating a life that reflects your deepest values, aspirations, and purpose. At the heart of it, it’s about how you want to live your one wild and precious life.
I approach financial planning as a life-centered journey, helping pre-retirees 5 to 15 years from retirement prepare for their next chapter. It’s a process that goes beyond simply building wealth—it’s about creating the freedom and security to explore, grow, and contribute to the world around you. This is why I offer retirement planning services that focus on designing a future that aligns with your vision for a meaningful life.
True Financial Planning: Level One, Two, and Three Goals
Traditional financial planning often focuses on what I call “Level One Goals.” These are the tangible financial targets like saving for a house, paying off debt, or building up a retirement fund. While these goals are essential for establishing a foundation of financial security, they are just the beginning of your journey.
The magic happens when you begin to explore “Level Two Goals.” These are about making a meaningful contribution to something greater than yourself. Whether it’s supporting loved ones, engaging in community work, or creating a lasting impact in areas you care about, Level Two Goals focus on what gives you a sense of fulfilment and joy. And here’s the important part: you don’t need to be a millionaire to pursue these goals. You can start contributing to your community or family in small, meaningful ways that reflect your values.
Then, we move to “Level Three Goals,” the pinnacle of financial planning. These goals involve designing a life that aligns with your truest aspirations and purpose. They answer the deeper questions: What legacy do I want to leave? What would I regret not doing in my life? When you reach this level, financial planning becomes about more than just securing your future; it becomes a tool to help you live the life you’ve always imagined.
A Life-Centred Approach to Planning
True financial planning is life-centered. It focuses on understanding what makes your life meaningful, helping you make decisions that align with your values. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s deeply personal and unique to you.
For example, if your deepest aspiration is to spend more time with family, your financial plan should reflect that priority. It’s about creating the flexibility to pursue what matters most to you, whether it’s taking a sabbatical, starting a new venture, or simply spending more quality time with loved ones. By adopting this perspective, we move beyond numbers and focus on how to use your financial resources to support a life of fulfilment and joy.
Preparing for Life, Not Just Retirement
Many people see financial planning as merely preparing for retirement. However, I view it as preparing for life – a life that is long, fulfilling, and deeply aligned with your values. This is why I use the 100-year lens, a perspective that challenges us to think beyond the conventional retirement age. It encourages us to consider how we want to live, grow, and contribute throughout our entire lives, not just in our golden years. My retirement planning services are designed to help you navigate this evolving journey with confidence and clarity.
So, why is financial planning more than just numbers? Because it’s about empowering you to live your “one wild and precious life.” It’s about creating a plan that evolves with you, supporting your journey toward a life of exploration, growth, and personal evolution.
In the next post, we’ll explore the 100-year lens – a revolutionary approach to life planning that challenges the traditional ideas of retirement and invites you to think about what it means to live a truly vibrant, fulfilling life at every stage.
Ready to take the first step toward a life-centred financial plan? Subscribe to the blog, and let’s embark on this journey together.
General Advice Disclaimer Please note, the information provided herein is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not intended as legal, tax, or personal advice. Always seek personalised financial advice to ensure your estate planning aligns with your unique situation and goals